Summary
This translation of a fundamental Tantric text reveals the richness and profundity of the intellectual and contemplative traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The text describes the Four Foundation Practices that all practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism must complete. The nature of impermanence, the effects of karma, the development of an enlightened attitude, and devotion to the guru are among the subjects treated in this book. Three eminent contemporary Tibetan Buddhist masters-Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche, and Chouml;gyam Trungpa Rinpoche-explain the significance ofThe Torch of Certaintyfor modern-day students and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.
Author Biography
Jamg÷n Kongtrnl (1813–1899) was a versatile and prolific scholar. He has been characterized as a "Tibetan Leonardo" because of his significant contributions to religion, education, medicine, and politics.
Table of Contents
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ix | |
| Foreword |
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xi | |
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| Preface |
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xiii | |
| Abbreviations |
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xviii | |
| Introduction |
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Description and Background |
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1 | (8) |
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7 | (2) |
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Practice of the Four Foundations |
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9 | (20) |
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Interviews with Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche |
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9 | (15) |
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24 | (3) |
| THE TORCH OF CERTAINTY |
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27 | (2) |
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The Four Ordinary Foundations |
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29 | (24) |
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30 | (1) |
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31 | (4) |
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35 | (3) |
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38 | (5) |
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The Shortcomings of Samsara |
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43 | (4) |
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47 | (2) |
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49 | (4) |
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First of the Four special Foundations: Taking Refuge and Engendering the Enlightened Attitude |
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53 | (26) |
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53 | (7) |
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Engendering the Enlightened Attitude |
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60 | (9) |
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69 | (10) |
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Second of the Four Special Foundations: The Hundred-Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva Which Purifies Harmful Deeds and Removes Obscurations |
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79 | (14) |
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79 | (1) |
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80 | (2) |
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82 | (6) |
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88 | (5) |
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Third of the Four Special Foundations: The Mandala-Offering Which Perfects the Two Accumulations |
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93 | (26) |
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96 | (9) |
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105 | (5) |
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110 | (1) |
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111 | (8) |
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Fourth of the Four Special Foundations: The Guru-Yoga Which Rapidly Confers Blessing |
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119 | (20) |
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120 | (3) |
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123 | (6) |
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129 | (4) |
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133 | (6) |
| Colophon |
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139 | (1) |
| Notes |
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139 | (2) |
| Bibliography |
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141 | (4) |
| Index 1: General Names and Subjects |
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145 | (14) |
| Index 2: Tibetan Technical Terms and Names |
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159 | |
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